Remote Desktop is a feature that allows you to connect to another computer over a network, which can be very useful if you need to access files or applications that are not physically located on your computer. Remote Desktop can also be used to provide technical assistance to others or to work on a computer that is located in another part of the world. In this article, we’ll show you how to enable Remote Desktop on a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine, and give you some tips on how to get the most out of this feature.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2
The process of enabling Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2 can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with how the feature works. There are also some security risks associated with enabling Remote Desktop, so you need to make sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your computer from potential threats.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start enabling Remote Desktop on your Windows Server 2012 R2 machine, there are a few things that you need to prepare. First, you need to make sure that your machine is connected to a network and is configured with an IP address. You also need to make sure that you have administrative privileges, as only administrators can enable Remote Desktop on a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine.
Method 1: Enabling Remote Desktop via the System Properties
Enabling Remote Desktop via the System Properties is the most common method used to enable Remote Desktop on a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + Pause/Break to open the System window
2. Click on "Remote settings" on the left-hand side of the window
3. Under "Remote Desktop," select "Allow remote connections to this computer"
4. You can also choose to select "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)" for added security
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to close the window
Pros:
– Quick and easy to enable
– Can be done from the System window
Cons:
– Security risks associated with allowing remote connections to your computer
Method 2: Using Server Manager to Enable Remote Desktop
If you prefer to use Server Manager to enable Remote Desktop on your Windows Server 2012 R2 machine, you can do so by following these steps:
1. Open Server Manager
2. Click on "Local Server" on the left-hand side of the window
3. Under the "Properties" section, click on "Disabled" next to "Remote Desktop"
4. Click "Allow remote connections to this computer" and then select "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)"
5. Click "OK"
Pros:
– Can be done from within Server Manager
– Provides additional security options
Cons:
– Requires Server Manager to be installed
Method 3: Enabling Remote Desktop via Group Policy
If you’re managing multiple machines and want to enable Remote Desktop on all of them at once, you can use Group Policy to do so. Here’s how:
1. Open the Group Policy Management console
2. Navigate to the appropriate OU and create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) by right-clicking on it and selecting "Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here…"
3. Name the GPO and click "OK"
4. Right-click on the new GPO and select "Edit"
5. Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Policies" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Remote Desktop Services" > "Remote Desktop Session Host" > "Connections"
6. Double-click on "Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services"
7. Select "Enabled" and then "OK"
Pros:
– Can be used to enable Remote Desktop on multiple machines at once
– Provides additional security options
Cons:
– Requires Group Policy Management to be installed
Why Can’t I Enable Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2?
There are a few common issues that can prevent you from enabling Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2. Here are a few reasons why you might be having trouble, and how to fix them:
1. Your computer is not connected to a network – Make sure your computer is properly connected to a network and has an IP address
2. You do not have administrative privileges – Only administrators can enable Remote Desktop on a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine
3. Remote Desktop is disabled in the firewall – Check your firewall settings to make sure that Remote Desktop is enabled and allowed to bypass the firewall
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for getting the most out of Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2:
– Use strong passwords to protect your computer from potential security threats
– Limit the number of users who can connect remotely to your computer
– Make sure that you’re connecting to the correct computer, especially if you’re working on multiple remote machines
5 FAQs about Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2012 R2
Q: How do I know if Remote Desktop is enabled on my Windows Server 2012 R2 machine?
A: You can check to see if Remote Desktop is enabled by going to the System Properties window and looking under the "Remote Desktop" section.
Q: Can I use Remote Desktop to connect to my Windows Server 2012 R2 machine from a Mac?
A: Yes, you can use Remote Desktop for Mac to connect to a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine, but you will need to enable Remote Desktop on the Windows machine first.
Q: How do I limit the number of users who can connect remotely to my Windows Server 2012 R2 machine?
A: You can limit the number of remote users who can connect to your Windows Server 2012 R2 machine by going to the System Properties window and selecting the "Remote" tab. Click on "Select Users" and then select the users who you want to allow to connect remotely.
Q: Can I use Remote Desktop to control my Windows Server 2012 R2 machine from a tablet or smartphone?
A: Yes, you can use Remote Desktop for iOS or Android to connect to a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine, but you will need to enable Remote Desktop on the Windows machine first.
Q: Is it safe to enable Remote Desktop on my Windows Server 2012 R2 machine?
A: Enabling Remote Desktop on your Windows Server 2012 R2 machine can be safe as long as you take the necessary security precautions, such as using strong passwords and limiting the number of users who can connect remotely.
In Conclusion
Enabling Remote Desktop on a Windows Server 2012 R2 machine can be a bit challenging, but it’s well worth the effort if you need to access files or applications that are not physically located on your computer. By following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can enable Remote Desktop safely and efficiently, and get the most out of this powerful feature.
